Series of events to take place to mark Mayo’s D-Day involvement

The village of Blacksod will celebrate the eightieth anniversary of D-Day.

The small, significant village, located on the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula in North Mayo, is gearing up to commemorate the anniversary with a series of events on Thursday, June 6. 

This historic occasion marks the crucial role played by Blacksod Lighthouse in the success of the Normandy invasion, a turning point in World War II.

On June 6, 1944, allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, initiating the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. 

However, this vital operation was originally scheduled for June 5 but was postponed due to a critical weather report from Blacksod Lighthouse. The report, made by then 21-year-old Maureen Sweeney, predicted bad weather, leading to the rescheduling of the landings.

Historians assert that this weather forecast significantly contributed to the success of the operation, as adverse conditions on the original date could have spelled disaster for the allied troops.

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The local community, led by Fergus Sweeney of the SOLAS Visitor Experience and Tourism Hub, has organised a day-long program to honour this significant contribution. 

Mr Sweeney, who is Maureen Sweeney's grandson, shared that the events will begin with a Dawn Remembrance Ceremony at 5am at Blacksod Lighthouse. 

“This sunrise event marks the first hour the troops landed at Normandy,” he explained.

Throughout the day, exhibits will be open to the public, showcasing the roles of Met Éireann, An Post, and the Defence Forces during the war. 

These exhibits, enhanced with materials related to the D-Day weather forecast, will offer insights into Maureen Sweeney’s life and Blacksod's crucial involvement. Highlights include displays from Met Éireann, An Post, Military Archives, Irish Lights, and movie props from Steven Spielberg's blockbuster, ‘Saving Private Ryan’.

Guest speakers, including US Army veteran Ron Howko and retired Irish Army officer Donal Buckley, will provide engaging talks on topics such as ‘US Forces on D-Day’ and ‘Irish Neutrality, Then and Now’.

 Musical entertainment by Bridget McMahon and an aircraft flyover dedicated to the men of the Lookout Posts will add to the day's commemorative atmosphere, although ironically, the flyover remains weather dependent.

The day's events will conclude at the newly opened SOLAS Visitor Centre at Eachléim with a panel discussion chaired by Michael Kennedy, author of ‘Guarding Neutral Ireland,’ at 5 pm.

Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, emphasised the significance of this event and Blacksod's role in the region’s tourism landscape. 

“Blacksod’s unique history, particularly its impact on D-Day, is a key part of North Mayo’s heritage. Commemorating this anniversary not only honours the past but also enriches our cultural tourism, drawing visitors who are keen to learn about the pivotal moments and figures such as Maureen Sweeney and all others who helped to shape history,” she said.

The anniversary celebrations also serve as a tribute to the late Maureen Sweeney, who passed away in December at the age of 100.

Recognised by the US House of Representatives with a Congressional Record in 2021, Ms Sweeney was celebrated as the ‘woman who saved D-Day’.

The commemoration at Blacksod is set to be a moving and educational experience, honouring the local heroes who played a vital role in history.

The series of events begin with a 5am dawn remembrance ceremony and concludes at 5pm at the SOLAS visitor centre.